History Of The Earth (LuHi Earth Science 8th)

25 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the history of the Earth, including theories of creation, geological time periods, and dating methods.

Genesis

The biblical account of the creation of the world in six days.

Big Bang Theory

The scientific explanation that the universe began from a large explosion over 13 billion years ago.

Geologic Time Scale

A system of chronological dating used by geological scientists to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

Eon

The largest division of geologic time.

Era

A subdivision of an eon; a significant period in Earth's history.

Period

A subdivision of an era in the geologic time scale.

Epoch

The smallest subdivision of geologic time, typically lasting millions of years.

Precambrian Time

The first 4 billion years of Earth's history, before complex life evolved.

Phanerozoic Eon

The current eon in the geological time scale, characterized by visible life.

Cambrian Period

The first period of the Paleozoic Era, marked by a rapid increase in the diversity of life.

Paleozoic Era

An era of geologic time after the Precambrian, known for the development of marine life.

Permian Period

The last period of the Paleozoic Era, which included the supercontinent Pangaea.

Mesozoic Era

The era known as the age of dinosaurs, following the Paleozoic Era.

Cenozoic Era

The current geological era, characterized by the dominance of mammals.

Genesis: Day 1 of Creation

Creation of light and darkness, separating day from night.

Genesis: Day 2 of Creation

Creation of the sky (firmament) to separate waters above from waters below.

Genesis: Day 3 of Creation

Creation of dry land and seas, followed by vegetation (plants, trees, and seeds).

Genesis: Day 4 of Creation

Creation of the sun, moon, and stars to govern day and night and mark seasons.

Genesis: Day 5 of Creation

Creation of aquatic creatures and birds to fill the waters and skies.

Genesis: Day 6 of Creation

Creation of land animals and humans (male and female) in God's image.

Atmosphere I

The very first atmosphere of Earth, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which was largely lost to space.

Atmosphere II

Formed from volcanic outgassing (water vapor, carbon dioxide, ammonia) and later affected by early photosynthesizing organisms like cyanobacteria.

Atmosphere III

Rich in nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%), with trace amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and other gases, supporting diverse life.